Domestication

Imagine a world full of only wild things. A fluffy white sheep would see you and run, run, run away. A big gray wolf would peek at you from behind a tree, far, far away. People had to look and look for their food every day. But then, a special secret came along. It was like a little bit of magic that helped people and wild things become friends. It was a secret that made the world a cozy, happy place for everyone to share.

Hello. I am Domestication. I am the big, wonderful idea of making friends with nature. A very, very long time ago, around the 15th,000th year BCE, I helped the first brave wolves. They were a little scared, but I whispered, 'It's okay.'. They came close to the warm campfires where people sat. Soon, those wolves became the very first dogs, wagging their tails and playing games. A little later, around the 10th,000th year BCE, I showed people a new trick. I helped them plant tiny seeds in the soft dirt. Those seeds grew into tall wheat for yummy bread and sweet vegetables to munch on. People didn't have to search for food anymore. They could grow it right outside their homes.

Today, you can see me everywhere you look. I am in the soft purr of a kitten curled up on your lap. I am in the happy bark of a dog who plays fetch with you in the park. I help make the yummy apples in your lunchbox and the warm, fluffy wool for your sweater. I am the special friendship that fills our world with helpers and hugs. I love helping people and nature work together to make everything better, every single day.